NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee who represents Beale and Travis Air Force bases, reported with great sadness that two Beale Airmen, Staff Sergeant Richard A. Dickson and Captain Reid K. Nishizuka, died on April 27 near Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan following an MC-12 aircraft crash.

Sergeant Dickson was assigned to the 306th Intelligence Squadron, and Captain Nishizuka was assigned to the 427th Reconnaissance Squadron, both based out of Beale.

“Staff Sergeant Richard A. Dickson and Captain Reid K. Nishizuka served our country valiantly. These heroes served their nation until their last days, executing their mission with courage and the kind of selfless commitment that is the core of our nation’s strength,” said Congressman Garamendi.

“When they joined the Air Force, Sergeant Dickson and Captain Nishizuka knew the dangers of the job, yet they willingly put their lives on the line in service to our country. As a community and as a nation, we must rally behind their families and friends during this period of mourning. My thoughts and prayers are with them all,” Garamendi said.